Anxiety and Tension
The co-occurrence of anxiety and physical or psychological tension, often mutually reinforcing. Anxiety heightens muscle tension and physical arousal; physical tension amplifies anxious perception. A common presentation across stress and anxiety disorders.
Quick answer
Anxiety and tension (ICD-10: R45.1/M79.1; ICD-11: MB24/FB56) frequently co-occur, reinforcing each other through autonomic and musculoskeletal pathways. PMR, CBT, biofeedback, and exercise have evidence for the combined presentation. Cardiac causes should be excluded where chest pain is prominent.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Tight muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and chest
Racing heart and shallow breathing alongside worry
Inability to relax physically even in safe settings
Physical tension that worsens when anxiety rises
Headaches or jaw pain associated with sustained muscle bracing
What is Anxiety and Tension?
The co-occurrence of anxiety and physical or psychological tension, often mutually reinforcing. Anxiety heightens muscle tension and physical arousal; physical tension amplifies anxious perception. A common presentation across stress and anxiety disorders.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Anxiety and Tension, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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